Meet the Team
Our people make the difference.
Barrier-Free's team of experienced staff, interns, and volunteers are dedicated to providing impeccable service. We take the time to get to know you and your families because we believe that, in our field, a personal approach is the best approach. We utilize our staff's individual strengths to ensure each person gets the successful outcome they deserve. All Barrier-Free staff receive extensive hands-on training in our programs. We are determined to work hard to earn your loyalty every day. We're here to help you succeed, feel loved, and have fun.
Barrier-Free is proud to have a diverse Creative Team. More than half of our creative team are individuals who are neurodiverse, allowing us to bring our personal experiences to the teaching and mentoring of our participants.
Barrier-Free is proud to have a diverse Creative Team. More than half of our creative team are individuals who are neurodiverse, allowing us to bring our personal experiences to the teaching and mentoring of our participants.
Leadership
|
Britt Burr, Creative Director, FounderBritt Burr (she/her), baccalaureate of McDaniel College and graduate of Kansas State University, is a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) with the North American Drama Therapy Association. She specializes in creating and implementing original pieces of theater for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those on the autism spectrum, as well as teaching multiple workshops and classes geared towards and aided with expressive arts.
Prior to her work at Barrier-Free, Britt was a full-time Academic Counselor for the Student Accessibly and Support Services department at McDaniel College. Utilizing her 10 years of non-profit experience, Britt introduced Barrier-Free to Carroll County with a desire to improve inclusive programming throughout the community. In Britt’s downtime, she can be found attending poetry gatherings with her wife, Lauren, and enjoying DC’s theater scene as well as volunteering for advocacy groups promoting equal rights and social change. Britt can be reached directly via email at BrittBurr@BarrierFreeMD.com |
|
Lauren Burr, Executive Director, FounderLauren Burr (she/her) is Barrier-Free's operational expert, working in various roles including but not limited to: inclusive programming development, class instruction, social media management, website design, theater production & house management and everything in between. Lauren brings 8 years of non-profit experience to the team and her work has been pivotal to Barrier-Free's growth and expansion.
Holding a M.Ed from American College of Education and a Certificate in Equity and Excellence from McDaniel College, Lauren's 10 years and expertise in the education field translate directly to her work at Barrier-Free. She is a certified DDA Self-Direct Support Broker and passionate about advocating for and working alongside individuals with varying abilities to create a more inclusive world for all. Lauren's professional experience includes teaching with Montgomery County Public Schools in various roles that included classroom, teacher, special education, and ESOL teacher. She was also part of the admin team at Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences, managing the schools' marketing and digital presence. Lauren is thankful to be part of bringing the Barrier-Free mission to life with such an incredible team! Lauren can be reached directly via email at LaurenBurr@BarrierFreeMD.com |
Teaching & Mentoring Team
|
Ashley Adams, MentorAshley Adams (she/her) is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication, from the University of South Carolina and earned her Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, from American University. She currently works as a Program Manager for a Marketing Group. Ashley was first introduced to Theater in middle school while taking a drama course as an elective. She honed a new skill of acting and fell in love with the creativity of theater and her ability to easily memorize lines. Throughout her 15-year theater experience, she has performed in numerous plays, has developed various acting techniques, learned to engage an audience, and has served as President of many drama clubs. In her free time, she enjoys shopping and cuddling with her 14-year-old pet son, 'Boo Boo.'"
|
|
Marie Angier, Assistant Director Co. A & B, Teaching Artist, Studio AssistantMarie (she/her) is thrilled to be part of the Barrier-Free team! Marie was raised in Iowa and received her Bachelor's of Fine Art at the University of Northern Iowa. She majored in Theatre Design and Production with emphasis in Stage Management, and a minor in Studio Art. Marie is currently attending Lesley University to receive a Master's Degree in Drama Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. Marie is also working to be certified as a Child Life Specialist with the goal to bring the use of Drama Therapy into a clinical hospital realm.
Marie has worked with organizations such as Dance Marathon, Relay for Life, Children's Cancer Connection, Camp Heart Connection, Sturgis Youth Theatre, and JDRF. During her undergrad career she was an active member of Alpha Xi Delta and Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honor Fraternity. In Marie's spare time, she loves to watch movies, read books, play board games, play with her dog, explore new places, and get out into nature. Marie is looking forward to enjoying all the East Coast has to offer and to have new opportunities and adventures while learning new skills during her time with Barrier-Free. Marie can be reached directly via email at MarieAngier@BarrierFreeMD.com |
|
Evan Darr, Lead Teaching ArtistEvan Darr (he/him) is a junior majoring in psychology at McDaniel College. This will be his third year working with Barrier-Free after serving as an intern for the 2019 - 2020 season. In his time with Barrier-Free, Evan has grown from being an intern (2019-2020 season), to an Assistant Teaching Artist, and now a lead Teaching Artist with the opportunity to design and implement his own classes! Evan has always gone above and beyond the call of duty for Barrier-Free by taking on extra responsibilities that include set painting, social club mentoring, and more. Outside of classes, Evan is a member of the McDaniel tennis team and Alpha Phi Omega - a co-ed service fraternity. In his free time, he likes to hang out with friends and family, watch sports, and listen to some classic rock music. Evan is super excited for his second year working with Barrier-Free!
|
|
Michael Eaton, Assistant Teaching Artist, Founder, & Self-AdvocateMichael (Mike, he/him) is proud to be a Barrier-Free founder and has performed in every single Barrier-Free production. He also holds the title of being Barrier-Free's first-ever participant. Through his many years with Barrier-Free, Mike has grown from actor, to mentor, and now a part of the Creative Team. Mike is largely responsible for Barrier-Free's growth and success, as he spent many years sharing about Barrier-Free in the community and forming lasting friendships with other participants that kept them coming back for more! Outside of Barrier-Free, Mike serves as a community advocate for individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities and autism like himself. He has spoken on several disability panels on what it's like to be a person with autism. Mike has also worked at McDaniel College's Food Service and attends Calm Acres at Meadow Creek Farm. He's very excited to have a larger role in Barrier-Free and commits himself to every event and show.
|
|
Tianna Jacobs, Mentor Co. ATianna (she/her) is starting her first year with Barrier Free and is excited to be part of the organization! Tianna works full time for Target Community and Educational Services as an Employment Specialist. She has a passion for giving back and helping others live their best and fullest life. Tianna's family is her world and she enjoys spending most of her time traveling or attending events and shows with her fiancée Kelsey and step-son Oliver. She also enjoys photography, being outdoors and being an active member in the LGBTQ community!
|
|
Gary Jolbitado, Assistant Director, Co. AA 40-year story in the making: Gary (he/him) began performing musicals and plays while in private school. Gary joined Barrier-Free, when asked at the 11th hour to understudy for an actor. Gary only had 3 hours to learn lines and blocking. and, needless to say, it was a hit! At that point, Gary realized his life was missing something – theatre. But, more precisely, helping these very talented people reach their true potential. Since then, Gary's been hooked into Barrier Free and serves as a teaching artist. In addition to his work in the inclusive theater companies, Gary shares his passion for improv by teaching Barrier Free's annual summer improv class. In 2006, Gary was blessed with a son with autism. He can’t say how much working with Barrier-Free has helped him better understand what his son goes through.
You can keep Hollywood or New York! Gary would rather perform with these talented super-stars any day! Pictured: Gary J (left) with son Maxwell (right) |
|
Aaron Leonard, OUT Loud Assistant & Peer MentorAaron (they/them) is an attendee of Barrier-Free’s Life Skills and Social Studio, as well as an actor in Inclusive Theater Company B. Aaron enjoys spending time with and supporting their friends at Barrier-Free. They are passionate about advocacy for the neurodiverse and disabled communities, and the LGBTQ+ community. Outside of Barrier-Free, Aaron is a student at Carroll Community College studying Sociology/Anthropology, in hopes of pursuing a career in Ancient History or Anthropology. In their free time they enjoy reading fantasy and graphic novels, and writing, including working on their long term writing project. They are excited to become even more engaged with Barrier-Free’s programming, and grow as an advocate.
|
|
Kelsey Jezierski, Company A Director & Lead Teaching ArtistKelsey McKenney (she/her) has filled many roles at Barrier-Free including music director, mentor, scene leader, and one-one-one support counselor. She works full-time at Target Community & Educational Services as a Program Coordinator for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatics Academy. Her love of music stems back to being a three year old swinging on the porch and singing songs with her Aunt Mem. Kelsey also gives back to the community in her role as Vice President/Co-founder of Coppermine Presents Player's on Air, a theatrical arts company based in Carroll County, MD. Kelsey would like to thank God, her family and friends, and Tianna for all of their continuous support!
Kelsey can be reached directly via email at KelseyJezierski@BarrierFreeMD.com |
|
Mike Morton, Music Director, Co. A & BMike Morton (he/him), aka "Music Mike," is a musician, teacher, and producer from Glenelg, MD. He has been working with adults with disabilities for the past 6 years and loves every minute of it! He got his BA from the University of Maryland and has taught at Music & Arts and the Damon Foreman Music Academy. Over the years he has been busy performing with various groups around the Baltimore/DC area, and producing music in his home studio. In his free time he enjoys playing chess, reading sci-fi, and hanging out with his birds.
Music Mike can be reached directly via email at MusicMike@BarrierFreeMD.com |
|
Noel-Emile Pearson-Fountas, Assistant Director Co. BNoel (they/them) is an undergraduate student at Montgomery College, currently studying theatre arts and communications. As an avid fan of theatre, they have participated in various stage performances over the past few years, one of their favorites being “Beauty and the Beast”, where they played Gaston. Noel started with Barrier-Free as an intern for the 2021 - 2022 Inclusive Theater season and has been promoted to Assistant Director for the 2022 - 2023 season! When not at Barrier-Free, Noel likes to read, write, and listen to musicals. Noel is looking forward to another wonderful season with Inclusive Company B and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful organization!
|
|
Rosemary Pearson-Fountas, Studio Assistant in TrainingRosemary Pearson- Fountas (she/her) is proud to be Barrier-Free's Life Skills & Social Studio Assistant-in-Training. Rosemary joined Barrier-Free's Theater Companies in September of 2020 on Zoom. Her enthusiasm, leadership, and mentorship skills shone through and she quickly became involved in all of Barrier-Free's classes and programs. Rosemary demonstrated strong leadership skills when volunteering as a participant speaker during Barrier-Free Open Houses. In June of 2021, Barrier-Free expanded to open The Life Skills & Social Studio and Rosemary was offered to opportunity to be an assistant-in-training, with the purpose to bring her joyful personality to Barrier-Free's daily programming.
When not at Barrier-Free, Rosemary loves seeing Broadway shows, eating sushi, and spending time with her family, boyfriend, and friends. She is a fierce advocate for the disability community and always willing to help out a person in need. She loves having a "second home" and family at Barrier-Free! |
|
Jen Shillingburg, Assistant Director, Co. BJen Shillingburg (she/her) has been working with Barrier-Free of Maryland since its inception in Westminster and has been assisting Britt in drama therapy for adults with disabilities for a bit longer than that. She is also a baccalaureate of McDaniel College, with degrees in theatre and psychology. When not working with Barrier-Free, she is a life skills coach for individuals with disabilities as well as an after-school musical theatre teacher to middle school students where she and her co-teacher create original scripts for their end-of-term performances.
Jen can be seen in rehearsals, on the stage, and running around backstage during performances moving the scenery, pulling the curtain, aiding actors, and selling raffle tickets during intermission. Barrier-Free is well worth the extra cardio. |
|
Laura Stall, MentorLaura (they/them) is very excited to be working with Barrier-Free! Laura has always been passionate about working with people with disabilities, and after volunteering backstage for a few Barrier-Free shows, they decided they wanted to do more. Laura assists with many production elements including backstage management, rehearsal assisting, and actor support. Laura attends many social clubs, and loves spending time with our Barrier-Free-ers!
Outside of Barrier-Free, Laura works as a direct support professional with St. Coletta of Greater Washington. You can also find them writing a story, as they recently graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing from Goucher College. They are always writing, and very excited to use their skills to help Barrier-Free grow! |
|
Emilyanne Wachter, Blogger, OUT Loud AssistantEmily Wachter (she/they) is the owner and entrepreneur of Photography through Autism. She is a lifelong writer and photographer with a passion for disability rights, social justice, and psychology. She is a college student at Carroll Community College with dreams of being a healthcare social worker. Emily has spoken on a number of disability panels on living with autism and experiences of bullying. She is involved with a number of disability groups in Maryland, including YoungLife Capernaum, Disability Express Group, and Special Olympics. In her free time, she likes spending time with family and friends, coloring, and shopping.
|
Meet the Interns
|
Kelly Young, Graduate Intern Co. A & The StudioKelly Young (she/her) is ecstatic to be joining the Barrier-Free team for the first time! Kelly is currently pursuing her MA in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Drama Therapy at Lesley University. She loves the multi-faceted world of theatre and has spent years working on shows as an actor, director, crew member, prop designer, set designer, and dramaturg. Outside of school, theatre, and Barrier-Free, Kelly works as the Office Manager for a Maryland-based private practice, where she strives to make mental healthcare more accessible and connect people with the best possible services to meet their needs. Kelly is also a proud member of and passionate advocate for the Disability and LGBTQIA+ communities. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and family, making art, reading, and playing board games and video games. Kelly is immensely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Barrier-Free team and is excited to learn new skills and give back to her community!
|
The only thing missing... You!
Barrier-Free 2022-2023 Inclusive Theater Season creative team & interns.
